Michigan Players Put On Probation

Notebook

February 22, 1996

FIVE MICHIGAN players involved in an early-morning car accident on their way home from a party in Detroit have been put on probation. Coach Steve Fisher said Wednesday he has established ''significant restrictions'' for the five, although he did not elaborate. He said the five would remain on probation at least until the end of the school year. He reiterated there has been no indication alcohol or drugs were involved in the rollover accident about 5 a.m. Saturday. Police said forward Maurice Taylor fell asleep at the wheel of his grandmother's 1996 Ford Explorer. Also in the vehicle were center Robert Traylor, guard Louis Bullock, forward Willie Mitchell, walk-on Ron Oliver and high school recruit Mateen Cleaves. All the players except Traylor, who broke his arm and is through for the season, played the next day in a victory over Indiana. Fisher also said the school is operating as though the players violated an NCAA rule by taking Cleaves too far from campus. Fisher added that there has been some questions about ownership of the car Taylor was driving.